Nonstainable copper alloy



Patented Jan. 1, 1935 I UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE NONSTAIN ABLE COPPER- ALLOY No Drawing.

Application April 20, 1934,

Serial No. 721,461

2 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in cop per alloys, having for an object to provide a copper alloy so constituted that the same will effectually resist corrosion, discoloration, and/or 5 tarnishing; further, an alloy which will possess a color resembling that of gold; the alloy being capable of effectual cleansing and polishing, and also, capable of retaining its luster or finish even when subjected to detrimental atmospheric conditions, food acids and like chemical media, as for example, weak acids or alkali solutions.

It is likewise an object of the invention to provide a non-corrodable, non-stainable copper alloy, which because of its structural characteristics, may be economically and successfully cast, drawn, forged, rolled, spun, or fabricated in other manners well known in the art; the alloy being capable of eflicient and practical usage in the manufacture of various products for interior or exterior usage, and possessing such unusual ductility as to permit of most satisfactory working of the same when either hot or cold.

Through the instrumentalities of my invention, I am also enabled to produce an alloy having excellent casting qualities, the alloy being capable of being melted or re-melted without smoke or objectionable fumes, as is particularly noticeable in the instance of brass production; the alloy when re-melted, being without any physical change in its composition or characteristics, and affording a metal of a more stable nature, hence, one which will be considerably less liable to deterioration, particularly, that character of deterioration which occurs in the usage of ordinary brass or bronze.

Other objects of the invention will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

I am well aware, of course, of the existence of certain types of metal alloys, such for example, as the so-called aluminum bronze, a product consisting of an alloy of aluminum and copper, for which corrosion and stain resisting properties are claimed. This alloy, however, and all others of which I am cognizant, do not possess 45 corrosion and stain resisting qualities suflicient to enable the same to successfully withstand corrosion or staining, and insofar as I am aware, the alloy constituting the herein invention, provides a distinct and a material advance in this particular ar-t, especially as concerns its non-corrodable and non-stainable qualities; furthermore, the structural characteristics of the improved alloy are such as to permit of its working or fabrication according to well established metal Per cent 10 Nickel 5 Manganese 5 Silicon 2 Calcium molybdate l Ferro molybdenum 1 15 Copper of an amount to complete a 100% mass.

The presence of nickel in the stated quantity in the alloy accords a material degree of product hardness thereto; furthermore, the nickel content gives acid and corrosion resistance to the al 0y.

Manganese in the alloy, in the quantity stated above, serves to give a highly desirable degree of hardness to the same, and additionally, adds to its corrosion resisting properties. Also, the manganese component efiectually serves to prevent oxidation of the alloy, particularly, when it is exposed to atmospheric conditions.

The alloy silicon content accords high acid and corrosion resistant properties to the same. It also materially betters or improves the alloy fluidity, rendering the same capable of efficient or successful casting.

The usage of calcium molybdate and ferro molybdenum definitely improves the corrosion and stain resisting qualities of the alloy, and effects a most desirable age hardening of the same; furthermore, the molybdenum content, I have found, prevents undesirable softening of the alloy when subjected to material heat, insuring a desirable, but not too great a degree of fluidity thereof.

At this point, it may be noted that all or substantially all of the molybdenum will enter the alloy, together with the ferro. However, the calcium, at the temperature of the molten metal, will not enter the same, but rather, will produce a most eflicient slag for the charge during the alloying process-sealing the heat, and by consequence, serving to prevent oxidation.

I desire to have it understood that whereas different formulas of calcium molybdate may be used in my alloy, I preferably employ a formula consisting of molybdenum 43.90; silicon 0.18, 55

and calcium 55.92. The same may be said to be true of the ferro molybdenum content, i.e., the formula of this particular component which I have found preferable is-molybdenum 68.50; ferro 31.20, and carbon 0.30.

The final alloy contains- Copper of an amount to complete a 100% mass.

The molybdenum and ferro content, as will be understood, will depend upon the particular formulas of calcium molybdate and ferro molybdenum introduced into the charge.

In eifecting a charge for the production of my improved alloy, the componentsnickel, manganese, silicon and ferro molybdenum are preferably introduced through master alloys, Le, a master alloy of nickel and 50% copper, a master alloy of 28% manganese and 72% copper, a master alloy of 40% silicon and copper, and a master alloy of ferro molybdenum from 25% to 50% and copper from 50% to 75%, are first eifected. These master alloys are then introduced into the charge, and a balance of copper to constitute a 100% mass is added. The calcium molybdate is added alone to the charge.

The charge is then brought to a temperature of from 2100 to 2200 degrees Fahrenheit, and after proper agitation to bring about alloying of the components, the same is ready for pouring.

Whereas the hereinbefore stated formula presents a typical embodiment of the invention, I wish to have it understood that the relative proportions of the components may be varied, and to this end, it is to be understood that a formula within the ingredient range set forth immediately below. is considered to be within the province of my invention.

Percent Nickel 2 to 10 Manganese 1 to 10 Sifl 1 to 3 Calcium molybdate 1 to 5 Ferro molybdenum 1 to 5 Copper of an amount to complete a 100% mass.

An alloy constituted in accordance with the immediately foregoing range formula will comprehend, approximately, the following ingredients in the proportions stated in conjunction therewith:

l. A non-stainable copper alloy comprising the following elements in approximately the respective relative quantities indicated:

Per cent Nickel 4. 70 Manganese 4. 5'! Silicon 1.91 Molybdenum 0. 38 Ferro- 0.18 Calcium 0.06

Copper of an amount to complete a 100% mass.

2. A non-stainable copper alloy comprising the following elements in those quantities and within the ranges below indicated:

Per cent Nickel ,1. to 9.37 Manganese 0. 93 to 9. 16 i i 0. 95 to 2. Molybdenum 0. 38 to l. Iron 0. 18 to 0.93 Calcium 0. 06 to 0.35

Copper of an amount to complete a mass.

FREDERICK J. MAAS. 

